Memories

Published on by thelonelyauthorblog

As I said right before my vacation, jobs fill our pockets. Adventures fill our souls. My first 5 days in the Dominican Republic were at a beach resort to relieve my stress. This was the view outside my balcony.

There was nightly entertainment. On the second night 8 professional dancers selected 4 men and 4 women from the audience to compete in a Dancing With the Stars competition. Yes, I was selected. When I survived the first five rounds (rock & roll, the twist, hip hop, lambada, and salsa) I thought I had a chance. The last two elimination rounds were the typical island dances; merengue and bachata (my forte). At the end of the competition I was called back onto the stage to receive my award (a bottle of rum) and I pulled a hamstring. The very next day I received Swedish massage to ease my pain.

One of the reasons I went to the island was to see the humpback whales. These whales come every winter from as far away as northern Canada and Norway. This is a single female flirting and letting the males know she is free. The white on their tails are like our fingerprints. No two whales are alike.

Here I captured two males crashing into one another as they fought for the attention and right to be with the female. In all, there were four males fighting for the lone female. I guess she had an amazing tail.

This is my goddaughter Dibel (proounced Dee-bell). We spent plenty of time together shopping, beaching, and playing. Now, the peculiar thing about Dibel is she swears her parents gave her the wrong name. She insists her name was supposed to be Lily. So, I always make sure to call her Lily.

My good firiend Luis has a slight resemeblence to actor Daniel Craig. After years of teasing him about it, I put it to a test. One night in a beach bar, I turned on the charm and convinced two lovely ladies that Luis is James Bond’s stunt double. Well, after a wonderful night of dancing, laughing, and drinking, the two ladies left the bar with 007’s stunt double. Lonely Author went back to his room alone.

Because of the wedding, I had the opportunity to stay at this private resort for two nights. This was the table where I had breakfast and did some writing.

My long time followers recognize Ally. We spent some time together at the 75th birthday party and at the beach wedding.

I had the chance to dine at two mountainside restaurants. This one Aroma De La Montaña (Aroma of the Mountain) has a revolving floor which gave us spectacular views while me and my friends dined.

Ah, the wedding. It was my first time being a bestman. I had plenty of fun dancing and mingling. I recited poetry (English and Spanish) during the bestman speech at the celebration.

Sadly, I said goodbye to two old dear friends Maria (95) and Tato (93). Hope they will still be there when I return.

Here is a peek at one of the orange sunsets.

Life is about the memories we make. And the memories waiting to be made. So, go out there and make some memories of your own.

Can’t wait to go back.

260 thoughts on “Memories”

  1. Love this post – and so different from your normal faire. Appears you hard a wonderful time. Congrats on the dance contest and the rum! Cheers to taking advantage of the relaxation by writing.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hey, Frank I thought you were gone on your hiatus.

      Had a great time. And yes, I wanted to share a few pics and anecdotes. Probably post another poem tomorrow or Saturday.

      Thank you very much. It was the first time I ever won anything.

      Now, it’s time for your to relax and enjoy yourself.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I m easing myself away but this Post caught my attention. Actually have been spending a lot of time taking writings I did on paper in Alabama and transferring them into electronic forms. Probably over 30 future posts so far … Mainly beach walks … More to do!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

      1. I remember back when I used to frequent the Latino bars in my city a lot, one night I danced Salsa and Bachata for six hours straight, only stopping to get water. Never sat down once. Boy that was a good night! xD You’re very welcome! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

        1. Oh you feet must have been in dire need of a massage. lol . I have had nights like that. It is wonderful and romantic too if you have the right partner.

          Seriously, you should consider writing a story about a scene like that. I bet it wouold be pretty hot.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

          1. The socials are great. Everyone dances with everyone and it doesn’t mean anything unscrupulous. The community there is just fantastic 🙂 Yeah my feet were singing when I got back but I had zero regrets lol! xD I have actually! The verse I wrote ‘Dance Like We’re Making Love’ is based on a few experiences in my late teens/very early 20s 🙂

            Like

            Reply

  3. I can picture you dancing up a storm! Did you really pull a hammy going up stairs to get your award?? Your godchild is a cutie and I’m glad you got to spend time with her❤️ And the beautiful Allie! Sounds like a wonderful and rejuvenating vacation.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Yes, I did pull my hammy. LOL Let me tell you it was a challenging competition. The night before a different competition gave away a tthree night free stay. So during the dance competition, everyone was trying really hard.

      Allie looks great. She is an American citizen now. We had some fun too. Dancing at the wedding. I went to the beach with her and her family. It was really nice.

      Vacay was rejuvenating. Dreaming of going back. Thank you for your beasutiful comments.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you for ylur beautiful comment. So proud of my goddaughter. We are very close.
      Yeah, the trip was so incredible, I want to go right back. Anything to get away from the cold of New York.
      Thak you for your gorgeous comment, It is appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. Good morning Drew.

    I love this post. I really do. A beautiful island, dear people, the dance of the whales. Salsa, I forgot the salsa! lol. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Ready to write a poem called “the dance of whales?”

    Have a beautiful and inspiring day! Be loved!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  9. You continue to intrigue me. A dance winner? Just keep adding to our to do list.
    I must admit, this particular post left me wanting. Everything in it was wonderful, except there wasn’t a picture of you. So disappointing. 😘

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      1. I love to dance, but hardly ever get to go. I have a beautiful memory of a night spent with a strong lead. I felt like I was floating as he spun me around the dance floor. People actually stepped back to watch. Magic!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

      1. My Lonely Author,

        I’m just trying to behave and respect your pretty photos of your beautiful holiday!
        I mean…
        I can think of a few fun things we could have got up to on an island paradise if you insist…

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

              1. I mean first of all, you wouldn’t have gone home alone that night.
                Secondly, whales flirting is beautiful but doesn’t do it for me lol
                Thirdly, you winning a dance competition is not a surprise though it is kind of hot
                And fourth…
                Something, something dancing in the moonlight drunk on rum?

                Liked by 1 person

                Reply

  13. This is a very different read and I like it! Wow, Congrats on winning the dance competition! I am not familiar with the bachata but I bet the competition wore you out! Maybe you should’ve danced your way to the stairs instead of walking up to it heehee.
    Photos look great especially of the “special people” in your life. Safe travels!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I decided to give everyone a little peek into my life. I follow a few travel blogs and thought why not.
      Happy you liked it. The dance contest, I was worn out. I should have crawled up to the stage. LOL
      Hey, thanks so much for reading.

      Like

      Reply

  15. Wonderful and beautiful pics of your favourite island.enjoy your trip,dear!! I like very much your God daighter-LILY.but Allie ,i miss her.your mostly sweet memories and participating in every place at there with her are most lovely.really your Allie was your very cute and devoted partner.i think -does she remeber you still now?wonderful sharing about your memories about resort,dance,whale and all surroundings of there.love for LILY.as G said-plz write on the dance of whales.enjoy dear.bless you with my heart.tc.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. Most beautiful sunset.and your wonderful line”job fills your pocket but adventures fill our soul”.luis seems really like Craig.your all friends are so much close to you.amazing description of your sweet memories.❤❤❤

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  18. Can’t make memories with no friends….except lonely ones. I told Jesus (Yeshua) that I wish he had created me as his companion instead of being put down here with all these men who dont or wont love me….but maybe life gets better soon. I think it will.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. Sounds like a wonderful wedding and fun trip. You like you had a good time with your friends, Ally, and your family, I’m jealous you got to go somewhere nice and warm, when it’s been so cold. Lucky, it’s finally warming up here up notmal
    Spring temperatures. It’s wonderful
    You got to see your two older friends too. I’m sure they appreciated the time, and you never know, they still might be around in a few years. It’s hard to say. I’ve learned you just always have to make each memory count and if you think this might/could be a last time, make it memorable for you all. Which, I’m sure you did. Have a great rest of the week 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It was the vacation of my life. I try to run away from the cold whenever I can.
      I hope my old friends are still around the next time. Thank you for these lovely words and sentiments.
      They are greatly appreciated.
      And apologies for my late response. Life has been hard. But I always make sure to answer everyone.
      Thank you for the kind words.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  21. Andrew, you so rarely let us into your real life, preferring to tease us with your poetry, convincing each of us ladies, no matter our age or legal attachments to other men, that you’re writing just for our eyes. So it was a true pleasure to get to know a bit about you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. You have me laughing wit this reply.
      I follow a few travel blogs and I thought why can’t I share a little bit of my life and journey.
      Happy you liked this post. The vacation was unforgettable. So it was fun to share.
      Thank you for reading.

      Like

      Reply

  24. Oh wow, this looks fantastic! It made me chuckle that Dibel insists her parents should have called her Lily, so it’s lovely you used her preferred name. You’re right, Luis does have a bit of a Daniel Craig thing going on. Beautiful memories you just can’t put a price on 🙂
    Caz xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Caz, it was the vaaction of my life. I still smile when I think of it.
      I always call her Lily since she correct everyone anyway. lol
      Luis, I tease him about his looks his car with the James Bond gadgets.
      Lucky he has a great sense of humor.
      Thank you for your beautiful comment.
      My life has been a hurricane recently.
      So apologies for my late response.

      Like

      Reply

  25. That looks like loads of fun – so many dance forms – you must be a charmer – humpback whales are some captures – and that hamstring pull must be in anticipation of the massage- say my hello to lily -stay blessed

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. So happy you liked the post and photos. Thank you for taking the time out to read and comment.
      Whale chasing was a wonderful experience. Something I had dreamt of for a long time. To see
      the power and beauty of these creatures was amazing.
      Hopefully, you will have a chance to see them one day. The Atlantic humpback whales travel to the
      Dominican Republic, but on the west coast they travel to the shores of Mexico (Los Cabos and
      Puerto Vallarta). So maybe you can see them.
      Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I greatly appreciate it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Smiling. I have been teasing him about that for years. Everytime I get into his car
      I ask him where are the buttons to launch torpedoes or activate the maching guns.

      Thank you so much for taking the tme out to read and leave your lovely comment.

      Like

      Reply

    1. I had the greatest vacation of my life. Never thought I would win the dance contest. Got lucky I guess.
      I actually gave the bottle of rum to my friend Luis. The massage was great.
      Thankl you for your wonderful words. And apologies for my late response. Life has been kicking my butt these past few weeks.

      Like

      Reply

  33. Lily is lovely!

    What a wonderful vacation and adventure. I love the living of it. I enjoyed the pictures and the adventure. Sorry about the pulled hammy, though I chuckled a wee bit at the timing of it all (definitely not at any pain you had). Here’s to the good in life and the ability to love it and make it last even longer.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Lily is my living doll. I buy clothes to dress her. Because she is very lady like. She loves dresses and shoes with a litle wedge.
      That hammy, made me blush. Winning a dfance contest then….UGH crashing down to Earth.
      ‘LOL
      Thank you for your beautiful comment. And apologies for my late reply.

      Like

      Reply

    1. Yeah it was a big break for me. Rejuvenating and honestly, so inspiring.
      I really needed it. Loss, is sad but real part of life.
      Thanksyou for your special words and thoughts.
      They are apprciated. Receiving your hugs with open arms. xo

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  37. Lovely photos, makes one want to pack and take a vacation there too (too bad I can’t. Not yet 😦 ) And I think it’s sweet of you to call your goddaughter Lily. I bet she it’s one of the things she love you for.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. When I review my post and pics, makes me want to pack and go back. LOL
      Lily. Well, she swears her parents misnamed her. So, i respect her wishes and call her by her rightful name.
      Thank you for taking the time out to read and leave your gorgeous comment. It is greatly appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  39. What a great post, Drew! Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos. Wow! I admire men who can dance. I would love to see you gyrate to the music. Your friend definitely looks like Daniel Craig!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Laughing here. Not sure how my gyrating would entertain. Lucky for me my feet did their job.
      And yes, I tease Luis all the time. I never call him by his name.
      Thank you for reading Wnnie. Happy you enjoyed this glimpse into my life.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  40. Aw, I enjoyed this glimpse into your memory bank, thank you for sharing. Lily is lovely, and your spunky adventures, while you travel, is inspiring. DR looks like a nice place to visit. You’d do well in a visit to Jamaica, I’m sure of it! 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh, Shelley. I wll never forget this vacation. It was fun to share. I never give anyone a glimpse into my life
      so this was refreshing and inspiring.
      Thank you fgor your lovely words. And yes, Jamaica is in my sights ever since I saw your pics.
      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  43. What a paradise place to visit.
    No messing around with Diebel – Lily, she might throw you in the ocean with one of those big whales. That guy really does look like the James Bond guy ( without hair), and I´m not to sure you went lonely to your room after seeing your friend Ally…..

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. LOl . What a beautiful comment. Thank you for reading and for your comment.
      Lily she is a little strong one, probably an old soul.
      And Luis could be James Bond stunt double (with a wig of course).
      Ally is my ex wife. It was wonderful spending time with her again.
      Again, thanks so much

      Like

      Reply

      1. Your name is ¨lonely autor¨ so…… I´m just doing it out of my money of my charity for lonely authors.
        Hold it, you did say it was your ex-wife, ex as in X, you could put a word about me……. Just drunk so don´t pay me much attention although it seems I can hit the fucking keyboard with not much gramatical errors, anyways a beautiful place to visit for sure, and glad you had a LOl… which belive it or not I think people are nuts ( not me obviously) what the F….k with all these acromyms you people invented, out of outer space you people are, people, people, and to finish you do have good taste for the ladies.

        Yep,,…..,,,,,…,,,,… lonely-author….lonely….

        Have a great day, that´s simple I think.

        Like

        Reply

          1. ¨a woman too her name was Drew¨ You just gave an idea to post in Word of th press.
            half a second Jill post, i´m the kinger….fuck, I shuldn´t write while drunk as a skunk, fuck it, I bette see a LIKE and COMENT of you…..youuuuu, hit it

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply

  49. Wow! The dance off reminds me of the film Just Go With It, that must have been a lot of fun and happy to hear you performed great. 🙂

    I love that the single whale became Scarlett O’Hara. Yes, Whaley, Live your best life.

    I love that you respect her enough to call her what she’d like to be called. Dibel seems like a lovely name, I must say though.

    You went alone, but he went double.

    What a beautiful place and such lovely pictures. Glad to hear you had a great time! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I was shocked that I won the dance contest. I am a prety good dancer, but I nevre thought I would win.
      LOL . Scarlett the whale. LOL

      What gorgeous and wondefrul comments to make me smile and relive my vacation. Thank you for these wonderful words.
      They were as wonderful as you. Thank you

      Like

      Reply

Leave a reply to aFrankAngle Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.